Fair to Good Depending
Norwegian Jewel Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America
16 Night Panama Canal Westbound (Miami To Los Angeles)
Sail date: January 20, 2017
Ship: Norwegian Jewel
Cabin type: Suite
Cabin number: 11066
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
The daylight transit of the canal was the high point of this cruise. The cruise began poorly with very late boarding and little communication as to why. There was not enough seating in the waiting area and very old people were standing. Halfway thru the cruise passengers and crew began to drop from illness. In at least 2 ports ambulances met the ship to unload passengers. Service and food were subpar during most of the trip. Only in the last 4 days were announcements regarding illness made and these were appeals to the crew to report illness immediately. Passengers were on their own. We have noticed that selling of products and promoting of shopping has reached a fever pitch. Specialty restaurants have deteriorated in food quality as well as service. Four of our 5 excursions were very good. Puntarenas by boat, train and bus was horrible. Train to nowhere and a guide who couldn't speak even rudimentary English. My high school Spanish was better than her attempt at English. Temperatures once we entered Mexico were cold. Our balcony became useless the further north we went. Seas became high and the wind blew the whole time from Chiapas north. Don't take a Mexican Riviera cruise Jan-March. I gave the cruise a 3 star because of the Panama Canal portion and the interesting south American countries. The Mexican portion was bad. Communication to passengers regarding reasons for cancellation of certain things was nil. Exit from the boat in LA was delayed due to "congestion in the terminal" but it looked like incompetence all around. I am sure people who boarded in LA for 2/5 cruise will have poor comments regarding boarding. Transfer to the airport made us wish we had walked off and taken a taxi. If you can do early walk off in the states do it. You will be ahead of the game.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
Onboard Activities
Entertainment
Service and Staff
Ship Quality
Cabin / Stateroom
Ship tip
The bridge viewing area on deck 11 was quiet during the canal transit and gave a good view into the locks. If you eat in the buffet which is always crowded head to Cucina for extra seating. Azura has a more relaxed dress code for dinner and the same menu as Tsar's palace.
Ports of call
Puerto Chiapas (Tapachula), Mexico
San Pedro (Los Angeles), California